Bird Routes

Bird routes are the most interesting places to go bird watching in the Tamworth region. There are 36 sites around Barraba, Manilla, Nundle and Tamworth where many of the region’s 240 species of birds are likely to be seen; many of the bird route sites are part of old drovers trails known as travelling stock routes; also called the “the long paddock”.

Other areas that offer opportunities for bird sightings are national parks, state forests, council reserves and waterways.

Why do we have bird routes

Bird routes promote the environmental, educational and economic opportunities of the region for bird watching and the study of nature.

The bird route sites are areas of remnant bushland in undulating and picturesque places.

Along many of the bird routes, the flora and fauna typical of Australia’s dry interior can be found together with those normally associated with the wet east coast.

What are some of the reasons to preserve bird routes in the Tamworth region

Most of the woodlands in the Tamworth region have been cleared for the production of cereals and grazing of livestock. This has caused a decline in numbers of native birds and their habitat.
Many woodland bird populations have declined to such a degree that their future survival is threatened.

Locations described in the bird route guide are places where endangered and vulnerable species may still be seen.